Anchor attachment for a roof panel rib

ABSTRACT

A roof anchor with a channel fits over a roof panel rib typically having a rib head supported by a narrower rib neck. Opposing bolts on each anchor side thread through matching threaded holes in anchor sides and into the channel, sandwiching a roof panel rib therebetween when it is received into the channel. Alternatively, bolts on a single anchor side may sandwich the roof panel rib between the bolts and the other anchor side. To prevent the anchor from lifting off the roof panel rib, the bolts are located on the anchor sides low in the anchor channel, sufficiently apart from the anchor top so that the roof panel rib head can be received between the bolts and the anchor top. A rib bar typically shaped to functionally match the roof panel rib may be inserted within the roof panel rib as a brace to prevent a roof panel rib from collapsing under force of the bolts. When the anchor bolts tighten against the roof panel rib, the panel rib sides are sandwiched between the rib bar and the bolts. At least one attachment bolt is threaded into a hole in the anchor top for attaching roof paraphernalia to the anchor after the anchor is secured to the roof panel rib.

BACKGROUND

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] This invention relates to attachments for roof panels, and more specifically, to an anchor mountable to a roof panel rib, to which roof paraphernalia may be attached.

[0003] 2. Prior Art

[0004] Metal roof panels are in common usage. With such usage, it is often an advantage to attach equipment to the roof panel. For example, snow guards that control snow and ice sliding on the roof, cable guy wires, walking platforms, piping, signage, brackets, etc. It is important that such attachments not penetrate the roof panel so leaks are not introduced.

[0005] Metal roof panels are commonly joined with a raised portion on a first side overlapping a raised portion of an adjacent panel, together forming a roof panel rib raised above the general roof panels. In addition, some metal roof panels have an intermediate rib between the overlapping adjacent panel ribs. The panels are installed with the roof panel ribs running with the roof pitch, so an attachment anchor clamped on the rib can be positioned essentially anywhere on the roof, either laterally by choosing an appropriate rib and vertically along the pitch.

[0006] Because the attached paraphernalia may constitute a significant load on the anchor, such as a large sign or a snowfall collection, the anchor attachment must be able to sustain such loads without sliding on or disengaging from the roof panel rib. To prevent sliding and still not penetrate the roof panel, the anchor should have a friction or clamping attachment to the roof panel rib to allow the anchor to support the required loads. To achieve an attachment that can sustain loads of many hundreds of pounds, the anchor is clamped to the rib with a comparable force. To prevent disengagement from the roof panel rib, preferably the anchor should have structural features interconnecting with panel rib structural features that prevent lift-off regardless of friction.

[0007] A thin-walled roof panel rib is typically unable to sustain the clamping force required to keep the anchor from sliding on the roof panel rib without permanently deforming the roof panel rib. Once deformed, the roof panel rib is unable to readily come apart or go back together for roof panel replacement. The deformation disrupts the mechanism of the panel rib and is aesthetically displeasing. It is therefore also an advantage to have an anchor securable to a thin-walled metal roof panel at a roof panel rib without significantly deforming the roof panel rib or disrupting the panel interlock with the adjacent metal panel.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] These objects are achieved in a roof anchor comprising a two opposing sides depending from an anchor top forming a channel adapted to fit over a roof panel rib. At least one attachment bolt is threaded into a hole in the anchor top for attaching roof paraphernalia to the anchor after the anchor is secured to the roof panel rib. Clearly, any similar attachment device may substitute for the attachment bolt and is deemed included in the anchor. Opposing bolts on each anchor side thread through matching threaded holes in anchor sides and into the channel, sandwiching a roof panel rib therebetween when it is received into the channel. In an equivalent alternative, bolts on a single anchor side may sandwich the roof panel rib between the bolts and the other anchor side with clamping force that prevents the anchor from sliding on the roof panel rib, even under load.

[0009] To prevent a roof panel rib from collapsing or suffering severe deformation under clamping force of the bolts, a rib bar typically shaped to functionally match the roof panel rib is inserted within the roof panel rib as a brace. When the anchor bolts tighten against the roof panel rib, the panel rib sides are sandwiched between the rib bar and the bolts, the bar then sustaining the clamping force and thereby maintaining the shape of the roof panel rib.

[0010] Typically, a roof panel rib comprises a head supported on a thinner neck. To prevent the anchor from lifting off the roof panel rib, the bolts are located on the anchor sides low in the anchor channel, sufficiently apart from the anchor top so that the roof panel rib head can be received between the bolts and the anchor top. The bolts then tighten into the roof panel rib at the roof panel rib neck. When the bolts are threaded into the channel under the head, the anchor is prevented from lifting off the roof panel rib, independent of the frictional clamping force that might be applied by the bolts against the neck.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011]FIG. 1 is a perspective cut-away view of the anchor mounted over a roof panel rib with a support bar within the rib sustaining the rib from collapse as bolts in the anchor tighten against the rib.

[0012]FIG. 2 is an end view of an anchor of the prior art shown with a tightening bolt high in the anchor channel collapsing a roof panel rib within the channel.

[0013]FIG. 3 is end view of another anchor of the prior art as in FIG. 2 collapsing a roof panel rib at the joinder of two roof panels.

[0014]FIG. 4 is an end view of the anchor of the present invention showing bolts low in the anchor channel and a support bar within a first rib shape functionally matching the rib shape to support the rib as the bolts tighten against the rib.

[0015]FIG. 5 is an end view of an anchor of the present invention showing a single bolt low in the channel intersecting a roof panel rib at a rib neck below a rib head at a joinder of two adjacent roof panels.

[0016]FIG. 6 is an end view of the anchor of FIG. 5 with a support bar within the rib as the anchor bolt tightens.

[0017]FIG. 7 is an end view of the anchor of FIG. 5 without a support bar within the rib with a bolt engaging the rib at the rib neck low in the channel, successfully sandwiching the neck between the bolt and an anchor side as the bolt tightens, flexure in the rib head allowing it to bend without permanent deformation.

[0018]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the anchor of FIG. 5.

[0019]FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a support bar having a first shape to functionally match a first rib shape.

[0020]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a support bar having a second shape to functionally match a second rib shape, shown with dimples for receiving bolt ends.

[0021]FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the support bar of FIG. 10 further comprising a side channel for receiving bolt ends.

[0022]FIG. 12 is an end view of an anchor with bolts low in the anchor channel, shown having opposing bolts sandwiching a roof panel rib at its rib neck centered below a cylindrical rib head with rib left and right members in face-to-face contact under pressure of the opposing bolts, the cylindrical rib head providing flexure allowing the rib members to come together without damage to the rib.

[0023]FIG. 13 is an end view of the anchor over a joinder of adjacent rib panels with a bolt from one anchor side sandwiching the rib neck against the opposing anchor side. With the neck comprising a left neck member from one roof panel in parallel alongside a right neck member from the other roof panel, the neck is not damaged as the anchor bolt tightens against the rib neck.

[0024]FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a building having roof panels with roof panel ribs to which a plurality of anchors are attached to secure a snow guard.

[0025]FIG. 15 is an end view of two roof panels joined at a center rib with anchors over roof panel ridges.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0026] A roof panel rib anchor 10 for attachment to a roof panel rib 100 of a roof panel 102 or panels comprises first and second opposing anchor sides 12 and 14 depending from an anchor top 16 forming a channel 18 within and sized to receive a roof panel rib in the channel. A fastener spaced apart from the anchor top 16 on a first anchor side 12 extends into the channel 18 directed toward the other anchor side 14 at least partially closes the channel 18. Typically, the fastener comprises a threaded bolt 20 and more typically a plurality of threaded bolts penetrating at least a first anchor side 12 through matching threaded holes 22. When tightened into the channel 18, the bolts 20 releasably clamp the roof panel rib 100 securely between the bolt 20 and the second anchor side 14 with clamping force sufficient to prevent the anchor from sliding on the roof panel rib. When the bolts are on both anchor sides, they may be arranged in opposing pairs, with a bolt 20′ from the first side 12 directed to a bolt 20″ from the second side 14.

[0027] Commonly, the anchor 10 includes an attachment mechanism to which other roof paraphernalia, such as a snow guard, may be attached. In the figures, an attachment bolt 5 is shown threaded into a hole 7 in the anchor top 16. The attachment bolt 5 is then useful for connecting the anchor to such roof paraphernalia, for example, by passing the bolt through a paraphernalia bolt hole and then into the anchor threaded hole.

[0028] Typically, the roof panel rib 100 has a cavity, or channel, 104 between two rib walls 106. To prevent collapse of the cavity 104 when clamping force is applied, a rib bar 24 suitably sized fits within the roof panel rib cavity 104 opposite the bolts 20. The bar comprises an elongated body 25 with cross section shaped to approximately or at least functionally match said roof panel rib cavity or channel 104, maintaining the shape and structural integrity of the roof panel rib 100 against forces of attachment of an anchor to the roof panel rib. The roof panel rib wall 106 is then sandwiched between the bolt 20 on its outside and the bar 24 on its inside and the roof panel rib is thus braced from collapse or substantial deformation. Clearly, the bar inserted in the roof panel rib is generally applicable to preventing roof panel rib collapse or deformation as a device is secured to it.

[0029] When the bolts 20 are applied to the roof panel rib 100 at a roof panel rib location 108 without a cavity opposite the bolts, or at a location allowing the roof panel rib at that location to close together without deformation, a bar 24 may not be necessary. This might occur where the roof panel rib comprises a roof panel rib neck 110 supporting a roof panel rib head 112 where the neck 110 with two opposing sides 114 and 116 is configured with those sides in face to face contact in which case the bolt 20 simply sandwiches the sides between another opposing bolt or an anchor side. If the neck 110 is configured with opposing neck sides 114 and 116 separated but supporting a head with flexure, the neck sides move together into face to face contact under action of the tightening bolt or bolts 20 as the head 112 flexes, still without collapse or deformation of the roof panel rib. If there is no flexure in the roof panel rib, a bar 24 is inserted between neck sides 114 and 116 to brace them to prevent damage to the roof panel rib head or neck.

[0030] When the neck 110 is smaller in cross section than the head 112, the bolts 20 typically are located in the anchor sides 12 and 14 sufficiently apart from the anchor top 16 such that when a roof panel rib is received in the anchor 10, the bolts 20 present opposite the roof panel rib neck 110 and undercut the roof panel rib head 112 when tightened into the channel at the roof panel rib neck 110 at least partially closing the channel 18 therein preventing it from passing out of the channel 18 .

[0031] Where the bar 24 is made of soft metal, tightening a bolt 20 into the bar 24 can create a dimple or depression 28 in the bar 24 or the bar may be constructed to include a depression to receive the bolt. In the alternative, a bar channel 29 may be provided longitudinal in at least one bar side to receive bolt ends. In either case, as the bolt 20 tightens the neck engages the rib bar depression 28 or shallow channel 29 under said clamping force of the bolt 20 to further securely engage the roof top. 

Having described the invention, what is claimed is as follows:
 1. A roof panel rib anchor for attachment to a roof panel rib of a roof panel or panels, the roof panel rib having a rib head supported from the roof panel or panels on a rib neck narrower than the rib head, the roof panel rib anchor comprising, first and second opposing anchor sides depending from an anchor top forming a channel within, adapted to receive said roof panel rib head and part of the roof panel rib neck in the channel, a fastener separated from the anchor top adapted to engage the roof rib panel at the rib neck such that said rib head is receivable in the channel between the fastener and the anchor top, the fastener securing the rib head in the channel when received therein.
 2. The roof panel rib anchor of claim 1 wherein the fastener releasably secures the rib head in the channel when the rib head is received therein substantially maintaining the shape and structural integrity of the roof panel rib.
 3. The roof panel rib anchor of claim 1 wherein the fastener is disposed such that the fastener undercuts the roof panel rib head in the channel at the roof panel rib neck at least partially closing the channel such that said roof panel rib head secured in the channel by the fastener is prevented from passing out of the channel.
 4. The roof panel rib anchor of claim 3 wherein the fastener moves from one anchor side toward the other binding said roof panel rib neck between the anchor sides when said roof panel rib is received within the channel, the fastener imparting clamping force on the roof panel rib neck preventing the anchor from sliding on the roof panel rib.
 5. The roof panel rib anchor of claim 1 wherein the fastener comprises a threaded bolt penetrating a first anchor side through a matching threaded hole, adapted to releasably clamp a roof panel rib neck securely between the bolt and a second anchor side with clamping force sufficient to prevent the anchor from sliding on the roof panel rib, undercutting the roof panel rib head therein preventing it from passing out of the channel.
 6. The roof panel rib anchor of claim 5 wherein said threaded bolt further comprises a plurality of threaded bolts penetrating at least one anchor side, each through a matching threaded hole.
 7. The roof panel rib anchor of claim 6 comprising a threaded bolt on one anchor side opposing a threaded bolt on the other anchor side.
 8. The roof panel rib anchor of claim 7 comprising a plurality of threaded bolts on one anchor side each opposing threaded bolts on the other anchor side.
 9. The roof panel rib anchor of claim 7 wherein the roof panel rib neck includes two separated opposing sides, the anchor further comprising a rib bar adapted to fit within the neck between the roof panel rib neck opposing sides bracing them from collapsing, substantially maintaining the shape and structural integrity of the roof panel under said clamping force.
 10. The roof panel rib anchor of claim 9 wherein the rib bar is adapted to firmly engage the roof panel rib neck under said clamping force preventing the anchor from sliding on the rib.
 11. The roof panel rib anchor of claim 10 wherein the rib bar has a depression, the neck engaging the rib bar depression under said clamping force of the bolt.
 12. The roof panel rib anchor of claim 6 wherein the roof panel rib head includes a cavity within, the anchor further comprising a rib bar adapted to fit within the head bracing it from collapsing and substantially maintaining the shape and structural integrity of the roof panel rib under said clamping force.
 13. A roof panel rib anchor for attachment to a roof panel rib having a cavity within, the roof panel rib anchor comprising, first and second opposing anchor sides depending from an anchor top forming a channel within, adapted to receive said roof panel rib in the channel, a fastener extending into the channel from the first anchor side directed toward the second anchor side, the fastener securing the rib in the channel when received therein, the fastener imparting clamping force on the roof panel rib preventing the anchor from sliding on it, a rib bar adapted to fit within the roof panel rib cavity opposite the fastener outside the roof panel rib, bracing it from collapse and substantially maintaining the shape and structural integrity of the roof panel rib against said clamping force as the fastener impinges with said clamping force against the rib.
 14. A roof panel rib bar insertable in a cavity or channel of a roof panel rib, comprising an elongated body with cross section shaped to functionally match said roof panel rib cavity or channel, substantially maintaining the shape and structural integrity of the roof panel rib against forces of attachment of a device to the roof panel rib.
 15. The roof panel rib bar of claim 14 further comprising at least one recess along its side adapted to receive a section of a roof panel rib urged into the recess in attachment of an anchor to the roof panel rib.
 16. The method of removably attaching an anchor to a roof panel rib having a rib cavity or channel within without substantial deformation or collapse of the roof panel rib therein maintaining the integrity of the rib roof structure, the anchor having an anchor channel and a fastener attached to the channel and extending into the channel from a channel side toward a channel opposite side, the method comprising the following steps: a. Placing a rib bar in the roof panel rib cavity or channel; b. Placing a roof panel rib anchor over the roof panel rib opposite the rib bar within the rib, the anchor channel fitting over the roof panel rib, c. Releasably securing the anchor to the roof panel rib opposite the rib bar by engaging the fastener tightly with clamping force against the roof panel rib from outside the roof panel rib, the rib bar bracing the roof rib from collapse or substantial deformation under said clamping force as the fastener impinges with said clamping force against the rib.
 17. The method of removably attaching an anchor to a roof panel rib without collapse or substantial deformation, the roof panel rib including a raised outer rib member from a first roof panel around a raised inner rib member from a second, adjacent, panel, the roof panel rib interconnecting the two roof panels, the outer rib member including a distal end directed generally back toward the roof panels with resilient spring bias against lateral forces, the anchor having an anchor channel and a fastener attached to the channel and extending into the channel from a channel side toward a channel opposite side, the method comprising a. Placing the roof panel rib anchor over the roof panel rib, the anchor channel fitting over the roof panel rib, b. Engaging the fastener against the roof panel rib outer rib member distal end from outside the roof panel rib, the fastener urging the outer member distal end laterally inward in partially closing the anchor channel, the resilient spring bias providing clamping force against the fastener to secure the anchor to the roof panel rib.
 18. The method of claim 17 further including the step of adjusting the fastener with clamping force that urges the distal end back against a roof panel rib outer member proximal near its connection to the roof panel, effectively closing the channel at the anchor, the roof panel rib sandwiched tightly with clamping force between a channel side and the fastener on the other charnel side.
 19. A roof panel rib anchor for attachment to a roof panel rib of a roof panel or panels, the roof panel rib having a rib head supported from the roof panel or panels on a rib neck narrower than the rib head, the roof panel rib anchor comprising, first and second opposing anchor sides depending from an anchor top forming a channel within, adapted to receive said roof panel rib head and part of the roof panel rib neck in the channel, a plurality of threaded bolts penetrating at least one anchor side each bolt threaded through a matching threaded hole and separated from the anchor top such that said rib head is receivable in the channel between the bolts and the anchor top, the bolts securing the rib head in the channel when received therein, wherein the bolts releasably secure the rib head in the channel and wherein the bolts undercut the roof panel rib head in the channel at the roof panel rib neck at least partially closing the channel such that said anchor head is prevented from passing out of the channel, the bolts releasable clamping the roof panel rib neck between the anchor sides when said roof panel rib is received within the channel, the bolts imparting clamping force on the roof panel rib neck preventing the anchor from sliding on the roof panel rib.
 20. The roof panel rib anchor of claim 19 further comprising a rib bar adapted to fit within a cavity or channel in the roof panel rib receiving the roof panel rib neck in firm engagement under said clamping force and preventing the anchor from sliding on the rib bracing the roof panel rib from collapse under said clamping force. 